The Delta Regional Airport Authority has approved the addition of a credit card for cleaning supplies and other small purchases.
Becky Harris was recently hired to clean the terminal building. Board members discussed the need to restock the cleaning supplies and buy snacks sold to those who land at the facility.
The board agreed to set a limit of $1,500 for the credit card. Board chairman Shannon Hobbs said they would be very stringent with the use of the card, and if a receipt is not presented, the cost would have to be paid for by the individual who made the purchase.
In other news, Hobbs presented an update on the hangar construction and the 2024 fiscal year grant. Hobbs said the pad for the hangar is ready, and concrete could be poured within the next few weeks. Arkansas Metal Buildings of Little Rock will be providing the 100×100 hangar.
Hobbs said the additional hangar is one he wanted to complete while on the board, noting it would open the door for more industry to come to the area.
Hobbs told board members he is waiting for final approval from the Federal Aviation Administration on the fiscal year 2024 grant. The grant funds would be used for a fire protection system. Hobbs said if that funding is not approved, the project could be delayed by as much as 12 months. There is currently no start date for the project, but he hopes to have it bid out by this summer.
The project is a 90:10 grant between the FAA and the Arkansas Division of Aeronautics.
The DRAA board approved Joey Astin of the St. Francis Area Developmental Center to use the facility for the annual Ride the Ridge. The event is set for Saturday, April 20.
Board members also approved the latest fuel and treasury reports. Since the board’s January meeting, there has been about $50,000 in fuel sales, a majority of that Jet A. The airport currently makes about $1 per gallon on Jet A fuel sales after accounting for credit card fees.
The board approved a request by Cody Stallings to purchase a new aircraft ladder and discussed sending Stallings to Arlington, Texas, in June for a three-day course offered by Titan Aviation Fuels.
Board members also discussed the potential of offering flight training and seeking a certified flight instructor.
